Plans are in the works to make Bronson Avenue safer for cyclists and pedestrians following the death of a cyclist last fall.
The City of Ottawa, along with the Carleton University Graduate Students’ Association and CU Cycling, were on hand to hear residents’ feedback about the new plans, as well as what they would also like to see improved along busy Bronson Avenue.
One of the proposed changes is lowering the speed limit along Bronson Avenue to 60 km/h in places where it is currently 70. Where it is 60 km/h currently, the speed limit would be reduced to 50.
The proposals, drafted by the city, come in the wake of the death of Krista Johnson, who was killed in October while cycling along Bronson Avenue.
Capital ward Coun. David Chernushenko says there are a number of small changes being proposed which will all make a difference.
Chernushenko says Bronson Avenue often resembles a highway, making it unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. “People need to be reminded they are driving through communities.”
Other proposed changes include replacing the on-and-off ramps to Colonel By Drive so cars aren’t speeding while driving on or off them. The city also wants the bike lanes to hug the curb, rather than forcing cyclists to cut in front of traffic.
Alice-Rose Mick, a member of CU Cycling, says the proposals are much needed. “Unfortunately, it takes really horrible things to happen for people to realize this is a high traffic area where people are walking and biking. We need to be safe.”
Mick says as a cyclist, the proposed changes would help her and others feel safer. “It’s said ‘if you build it, they will come.’ If you build safe roads and bike paths, people are going to use it for that.”
Chernushenko says the implementation of a crosswalk at Brewer Way would help drivers become more aware of their speed while zooming along Bronson Avenue. He says it’s just one more light that will hopefully slow people down. “We don’t want drivers to zone out and think ‘I’m on the highway, I can daydream.’ No, you need to be aware.”
Danny Handelman says the stretch has posed problems for pedestrians for a long time. “I’ve been aware of the poor quality of walking along Bronson for many years. It’s more like a highway than a street.”
As a pedestrian, Handelman says he would like to see trees or tall bushes placed along the median on Bronson Avenue. He says he thinks this will create an atmosphere where drivers would slow down because it would give the impression they are driving down residential-like streets.
Chernushenko agrees that action must be taken. “We’ve got to make our design with what people feel is safe,” Chernushenko says. “It’s not making your commute longer – it’s making your commute safer and more pleasant.”
It is expected the proposals will be presented to the transportation committee in April.